double-six-project.believeband.com Loy Krathong day is one of the most important traditions in Thailand because this day is considered to be a worship to a foot-print of the Lord Buddha. To avert a catastrophe on Loy Krathong day can be done by letting the sin drift along the river with krathongs. From the historical evidence, “Phra Ruang” (King in the Sukhothai period) in his speech said” : “-from now on , when the full moon of twelfth lunar month comes , the flying lantern will be made as the lotus shape. We will pay homage to the foot-print of the Lord Buddha for ever after-”. Loy Krathong festival is organized in almost every part of Thailand. Each has the unique interesting celebration.

www.boutiquebangkok.com Part 5 features Loy Krathong (Loi Krathong) festival celebrated on rivers in Bangkok and throughout Thailand. Locals float decorative boats on waterways to pay respect to water spirits. Loy Krathong happens on the full moon of the 12th Thai month (often November) every year. While Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River is the preferred spot for the celebration the crowds can be overwhelming and easier, less commercial waters to celebrate are local parks such as Chatuchat Park (JJ), Benjasiri Park and Lumpini Park.

The Loy Krathong festival celebrates the end of the rainy season at full moon in November each year (www.tropical-Thailand.com)

Loy Krathong is held on the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar. In the western calendar this usually falls in November. In Chiang Mai Loi Kratong is also known as “Yi Peng”. This year it is November 2nd. The weekend prior Yi Peng is celebrated just outside of Chiang Mai in Mae Jo at the Lanna Dhutanka temple with thousands of Khom Fai or sky lanterns being released at one time. Lanna-style sky lanterns (khom fai) are believed to help rid the locals of troubles and are also taken to decorate houses and streets. In addition a beautiful candle ceremony takes place including chanting and meditation. In Chiang mai for Loy Krathong which is November 1-3 this year thousands of people assemble to float the banana-leaf krathong onto the waterways of the city, honouring the Goddess of Water, launch countless Khom Fai and shoot fireworks in the same vain as they launch water at the Songkran Festival exactly 6 months from this festival. Thousands of Khom Fai in Mae Jo

Loy Krathong festival at Thai temple in Escondido

*** Loi Krathong is a festival celebrated annually throughout Thailand. In Thai Loi means to float and Krathong means a circular floating object with decoration of banana leaves, flowers, a candle and incense sticks. The festival counts on the full moon night of the twelfth lunar month. Last night the traditional festival was held in many locations. So here is a typical scene of celebrations: ————– weekly Andaman News NBT TV (VHF dial) at 8.30am broadcast to Phang Nga, Krabi & Phuket provinces & at 7pm on FM 108 Mazz Radio, Friday 11th November 2011 & later text on thainews.prd.go.th & VDO on www.YouTube.com/AndamanNews Send comments to AndamanNews@yahoo.com